John Lucas, a wholesale and retail dealer in every variety of fuel and posts and shingles, with his office and yard at No. 137 ½ West Bridge street, and his residence at No. 403 Lane avenue, Grand Rapids, was born in Hanover, Germany, October 27, 1827, and landed in America in 1847, at once settling in Grand Rapids.

When Mr. Lucas settled in this city he had no capital save a willing disposition to work and an equally willing pair of strong hands. For two years he worked at anything he could find to do to make an honest living, and then found employment in a tannery, in which he worked seven years; next engaged in farming and butchering, and other work, in all of which he was both industrious and frugal. With the money saved while thus employed he was enabled to start his present business, which has led on to fortune. Although his education was limited, as far as schools are concerned, his apt observation and retentive-

ness of memory, aided by reading and self-instruction, furnished him with a sound practical knowledge of business affairs, which in the end wrought out for him a competency, which he now enjoys, although his active mind and business habits hold him down to an attention to trade for which there is no necessity for pursuing, but which to him is a mere matter of enjoyment.

Mr. Lucas was first married to Miss Hannah Brink, the result of this union being one child—Stephen, who is still living. After the death of his first wife he married Geesje Gunint, and to this union seven children have been born, of whom two only survive, viz: Henry and George; Fannie, who died about five years ago, was married to Henry Nisnt, and had two children, Tonie and Annie, who are now making their home with Mr. Lucas.

In politics Mr. Lucas is a conscientious republican, and cast his first presidential vote for John C. Fremont. His religious affiliations are with the Holland Reformed church, and his social standing is all that can be desired. He is a self-made man, in the business sense of the phrase, and may well congratulate himself on his success through life—a success due to his industry, tact and strict integrity.